Visit Oppenheimer's Los Alamos

Robert Oppenheimer and Leslie Grove statues in front of Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos, New Mexico

Are you planning on seeing Oppenheimer? The movie, Oppenheimer, has sparked an interest in the place I call home, and I think you will fall in love with the town as much as I have! If you plan to visit Oppenheimer’s Los Alamos, I hope this post helps. On a side note, I was supposed to be in the movie. I was to be second counsel in a court scene, but the part was cut a few days before filming!

Los Alamos, New Mexico is know as the birthplace of the atomic bomb. Before WWII my little mountain town didn’t even exist. It was created to be the secluded, secret city for scientists to meet and develop the bomb before the Germans did.

Today, Los Alamos is no longer a secret. You don’t have to pass through a guard gate to get in so what are you waiting for? Come for a visit.

Museums

Los Alamos has two informative museums.

First, is the Bradbury Science Museum which tells the history of the science aspect of the Manhattan Project as well as the current science that takes place at Los Alamos National Laboratory. There is a souvenir shop in the museum.

Second, is the Los Alamos History Museum which tells the vast and fascinating history of the area. The Manhattan Project may have made the area famous, but the history of the area begins in ancient times. I love to look at the books for sale in the museum.

Other Local Attractions:

Replica of the guard gate everyone had to pass through to get into the city during the Manhattan Project. It sits at the park where visitors park their campers.

PEEC Nature Center– Great for children, this center offers information about the nature in the area.

Bandelier National Monument-Over 33,000 acres of beautiful land that was once inhabited by Native Americans. Visitors can hike the area of learn how these native people lived. Most of the structures date from the eras of 1150 and 1600 AD.

Manhattan Project Historical Park– Los Alamos is part of a three city park that hosts information about the Manhattan Project.

Pajarito Mountain– Skiing, Hiking, and Biking are within a few miles drive of town.

Valles Caldera– Also called the Valles Grande, this beautiful area is a nature lovers paradise. Hiking, fishing, hunting abound in and around the crater of a massive volcano that formed the land on which Los Alamos now sits.

Visit Oppenheimer’s Los Alamos

Visit Los Alamos– This Visit Los Alamos webpage is a one stop shop when it comes to finding information about lodging, dining, and other important information.

Named the US healthies community in 2022, Los Alamos offers many outdoor activities. The hiking is some of the best in the world. The climate is mild so the community of full of outdoor activities.

Why I Love Los Alamos

Besides being one of the wealthiest and most educated communities in the United States, Los Alamos is also a very diverse town. This transient city is home to scientists and their families from all over the world. The diverseness of the population is one of my favorite things about my life here. I have met women from not only all over the country, but all over the world!

The beauty of the area is healing! I found great healing for my soul in these Jemez Mountains! Each time I make the drive between Santa Fe and Los Alamos, I’m reminded of why Georgia O’Keefe loved this area. None of the arid mesas ever look the same- the vegetation, lighting, and weather all impact the beauty found in the area.

Hiking-I love that I can take a few steps out my front door and be in some of the most beautiful landscapes God has created! Hiking is one of my favorite things to do here. Some of my favorite hikes are Graduation Canyon and Frey Trail in Bandelier.

Los Alamos National Laboratory-I’m so proud to live in an area that not only does cutting edge medical science research, but also works to keep our national security safe. I know many scientists (I’m married to one) and their families whose life’s work is for me and for you.

Learn More

American Prometheus– The movie, Oppenheimer, is based on this book. I recommend reading it for the full story of his life.

The Manhattan Project– For basic information about the development of the atomic bomb.

The Oppenheimer Movie– General information about the movie.

I hope that if you are intrigued by the Oppenheimer movie that you will come visit our little town tucked away at 7300 feet in the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico. You’ll be glad you did.

Me visiting Oppenheimer and Groves in our historic downtown!

This guard tower was used after the Main Gate as no one could come into town unless they were authorized to do so- even after the Manhattan Project.

You no longer have to pass through a guard gate to get into town, but the only way into town is on a few two lane roads. This photo shows the old road that scientists took to get into town.

The Fuller Lodge bell ringing on Christmas Eve 2020

Have you ever been to Los Alamos? Did you even know about our secret city?

Be sure to leave any questions or comments in the comment section of this post. I’ll answer any questions that I know the answer to!

The Rest Of The Story

To finish the story of me ALMOST getting to be in the Oppenheimer movie… several years ago, I was in the movie Only The Brave which was filmed here. I was in a scene with a massive amount of people and was asked if I could come back another day for a court scene. I filmed all day in the court scene- I mean, I acted my heart out!!! But, alas, the scene didn’t make it into the movie! I guess me and court scenes don’t work out!!